we are not numbers

emerging writers from Palestine tell their stories and advocate for their human rights

Omnia Ghassan

    Omnia was born and raised in the United Arab Emirates and moved to Gaza in 2013. She earned a bachelor's degree in English literature and uses writing to express her thoughts and beliefs. Omnia also likes writing short stories and translating Arabic to English. She won a literary prize from Energhia, a cultural association in Matera, Italy, for her English short story "Medical E-mail: Innocent Love." Recently, she published an Arabic short story collection called "Wishes of Violet." Writing is the shelter in which she seeks refuge whenever her mood shifts. Thus, Omnia believes “words are the reflection of one’s true self” and are “the means of change.” Her dream is to roam the world and explore many different cultures because in knowing others, she believes she will know who she truly is. In her free time, Omnia enjoys reading novels and spending time with family or friends. “They are the true inspiration of my writings,” she says.

    Omnia serves as the coordinator for We Are Not Numbers' collaboration with Rebuilding Alliance

    my work

    How talented we have become in the masquerade.
    I'm fat. And it is (should be) ok.
    A father risked his life to buy back his wife's pawned earrings.
    Today we must speak out!
    What do you say when a child asks you what bombs are?
    My mother left me so suddenly, so I must say these words in a poem.
    How can I ever be friends with Israelis when they terrorize me and my people?
    And, then, she enters: a blonde chick wearing Prada.
    When you are young and live in a conservative society, there are many voices telling you what to do.
    I refuse to be a victim. That’s why it took me so long to talk about it.
    Her name means “oath” and an oath she made: Ahed Tamimi will fight.
    It is a betrayal for Wonder Woman, a symbol of justice, to be played by a woman who defends Israeli murder of civilians.